Klingel documentary now fully funded

The Mathews Maritime Foundation’s film “The Legacy of Gilbert Klingel: Man of Steel” is now fully funded and editing is nearing completion.

Foundation member Marcy Benouameur, who is also Klingel’s daughter, said that a fundraising campaign “went over the top” and reached the final goal well in advance of the May 15 deadline.

The nonprofit Marine Environmental Research Corporation was a big contributor, said Benouameur, offering to match up to $10,000 for the campaign. The offer brought in the final $20,000 needed to cover the remaining costs for the film.

“This was the spark that made it all happen,” said Benouameur.

Director/Producer Dave Miller will soon begin scheduling screenings, said Benouameur, and will make arrangements with PBS and other television broadcasting companies to “get this film on the road and on the air.”

Miller’s promotional video for the film can be viewed at www.gilbertklingel.org. “See how great this film is going to be,” said Benouameur, “and why it is so important to promote.”

Anyone who missed out on the matching funds opportunity and would like to make a donation for post-production costs such as the DVD, event screening and broadcast fees, may do so online at www.mathewsmaritime.com or by check to Mathews Maritime Foundation, P.O. Box 1201, Mathews, Va. 23109-1201. Indicate that donations are for the Klingel film.